Two Day Seminar with Dr. Ian Dunbar

If you've never attended a Dunbar seminar, you're in for a treat! Dr. Ian Dunbar is coming out of retirement for a special two-day seminar in Houston — his first time teaching here in 14 years.

About Dr. Dunbar

Dr. Ian Dunbar holds a veterinary degree and a Special Honors degree in Physiology & Biochemistry from the Royal Veterinary College (London University), along with a PhD in animal behavior from UC Berkeley, where he spent ten years researching social structure and aggression in domestic dogs.

In 1982, he founded SIRIUS® Puppy Training — pioneering off-leash puppy socialization — and later founded the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the first Shelter Behavior Department at the SF SPCA.

He has given more than 1,500 seminars and workshops worldwide, hosted the UK television series Dogs with Dunbar, and was inducted into the Dog Fancy Hall of Fame alongside James Herriot, Konrad Lorenz, Lassie, and Balto.

What You'll Learn

Based on his latest book of the same name, Barking Up the Right Tree focuses on crucial, highly effective training techniques that have largely been forgotten, alongside cutting-edge concepts in modern behavioral science. Through lecture and demonstration, Dr. Dunbar will cover:

• Lure-Reward Training — teaching dogs the meaning of verbal cues and hand-signals, and why a lure is not a bribe

• Phasing Out Food Rewards — practical protocols for drastically reducing food dependence, including how to calculate your own Response:Reward Ratios

• Response-Reliability Percentages — an objective, quantifiable way to measure real training progress, rather than relying on opinion or guesswork

• Non-Aversive "Punishment" — how teaching dogs to understand words lets you resolve misbehavior and non-compliance without fear, pain, or force

• Troubleshooting real-world scenarios - reliable off-leash recalls, calm greetings with visitors, reactive dogs, and distractions on walks

Informative, creative, funny, and entertaining — this event is valuable for dog professionals and pet parents alike. You will not be disappointed.

PLEASE NOTE: This seminar is for people only. Please leave your pets at home.

On November 15th, a select group of dogs and handlers will join Dr. Dunbar for a live workshop demonstrating these techniques in real time.

CEUs

CEUs will be available for this seminar. A confirmed number will be announced soon.

Virtual Attendance Option

Can’t attend in person? A live remote streaming option will be available. Stay tuned for details and access links.

Event Details

📅 November 14–15
🕙 10 AM – 6 PM
📍 Believe in Dog, 1029 W. 26th Street, Houston, TX 77008

🎟️ Early bird pricing: $250 for both days, through October 15th (increases to $300 after)